Granted, Murphy's 2006 "Dreamgirls" grossed more than $103 million domestically; however, audiences flocked to theaters to see Beyoncé and Jennifer Hudson's debut film instead of the comedian in a serious role.

When the show inevitably takes off, what will it be about?

Murphy originally told Rolling Stone a TV show would focus on Foley's son with Axel as the chief of police.

"I'd do the pilot, show up here and there. None of the movie scripts were right; it was trying to force this premise," said Murphy. "If you have to force something, you shouldn't be doing it. It was always a rehash of the old thing. It was always wrong."